Kasich sends letter to ask for federal assistance for tornado relief

Governor John Kasich has sent a letter to the president asking for federal assistance for cleanup in areas of Clermont County affected by Friday's deadly storms.

Three people were killed and several communities were heavily damaged when tornadoes hit over the weekend. Kasich had originally said that the state could handle the recovery, but reportedly changed his mind after seeing damage estimates from inspectors.

"While the level of damage sustained in this disaster may fall below the levels sustained by Kentucky and Indiana, the significant shortage of housing alternatives creates a unique need that cannot be solved without supplemental Federal assistance. This need is, in fact, so acute that I ask you to approve Ohio's request as quickly as possible in order for impacted families to begin receiving Federal aid as quickly as possible," Kasich said in the letter.

Kasich has already called the Ohio National Guard to help with the recovery.

Tuesday, President Obama granted federal aid to the damaged areas of Kentucky, including Kenton and Pendleton Counties.

If the President issues a federal disaster declaration for Ohio, disaster assistance loans and grants would be available to eligible individuals.